Protocol Magi :ORIGIN / Episode 9

D.o.S.D. is the ninth episode of Protocol Magi :ORIGIN.

Characters

 * Mashiro Mitsu
 * Nakajima Shiori / Aubade
 * Oshiro Hanako / Hyacinth
 * Abe Kira / Solstice
 * Hikawa Naomi / Numina
 * Aoyama Anna / Nimbus
 * Minami Mio / Métier
 * Shitto
 * Kyoei
 * Mrs.Nakajima

Episode
“…So uh,” Mio spoke, “the Magi powers are some sort of balance-keeper in the universe? And the existence of Magi can be traced back several millennia?”

Together with her, Anna, Shiori, Naomi and Hanako had gathered in Shiori’s room. Kira had wanted to come too, but someone had to distract Mitsu. They were currently holed up in the local paintball arena that had opened recently.

Shiori nodded. “As far as I’ve been able to find out, yes. There are a lot of things regarding our abilities that don’t quite make sense, but yes.” “...And why hasn’t Mitsu already figured all of this out?” Anna cut in. This was the first time she had heard the entire explanation (incomplete as it was) as well. “You know as well as I that she’s more passionate about that than anything, ever.” The one to answer was Naomi. “Well, she kind of has, to a degree” she said. “I mean, she is dead set on the fact that White Ghost existed, and that’s in the past, so she’s not wrong, but she’s not seeing the full picture either.” “There isn’t a lot of creditable facts online either,” Shiori added. “I’ve done quite a bit of digging to see if I could find anything. As far as I’ve been able to determine, our powers aren’t random, and they aren’t unique either.” “…Then how have you been able to find anything out?” Anna added. “I mean, you can’t have gone to every library in the city to find information there, and-…”

Shiori’s flat face spoke the truth.

“…Wait seriously?!” the brunet asked, “you seriously went through all the libraries?!” “I did,” Shiori replied. “I’ve also done fervent research online.” “When did you have the time for that?” “School breaks.”

“But I still don’t get how she’s not figured out more. You say that there are breadcrumbs a little all over the place,” Anna replied. “I mean, she’s practically a bloodhound when it comes to those things.” “Mitsu’s not a Magi,” Shiori replied simply. “She doesn’t notice the same things, she doesn’t have the same connections or the same history, no matter how much she’d like to.” “And, I mean” Naomi added, “we’ve kind of been subtly sabotaging Mitsu’s search for a while.”

“…Isn’t that kind of mean?” Mio asked after a moment.

“What’s worse?” Shiori asked. “Keeping a friend in the dark, and thereby keeping them at least as safe as everyone else, or telling them, and painting a big target on their back? They don’t have the ability to defend themselves. That’s why I asked Anna to be with you as much as possible. She may be inexperienced, but she can transform, and it wouldn’t make Mitsu suspicious.” “We wanted to tell you, though,” Hanako added. “Having to constantly lie to your friends and family, it’s not easy. It will never be. It’s a necessary evil.”

“It makes sense, but it’s-…” “It’s that, or put friends and family at risk.” Shiori said. “None of us like it, but it’s for the best.”

A knock sounded through the room, causing the current inhabitants to look towards the door. In came Mrs. Nakajima, who was carrying a tray with juice, five glasses and some cookies. “Thought you girls could use a bit of a snack,” she smiled. “You’ve been holed up here quite a while.” “Thanks, mom,” Shiori spoke with a smile as the woman sat down the tray at the floor in the middle of the circle of girls. The woman then left the room.

“…Even to our parents?” Mio asked after a moment. Hanako nodded with a sad smile. “They’re the same as everybody else; they can’t defend themselves, should the need arise.” “That’s…” “Yeah.”

“On another note, though,” Shiori cut in. “I guess you don’t know what your ability as a Magi is, since you didn’t use it last Saturday.” Mio shook her head. “I don’t know what or how to activate it, it’s just-…” “You should be able to activate it pretty soon;” Hanako said, “I didn’t know what my ability was the first few fights I had, even with Shiori helping with trying to activate it. It happened on its own after a little while.” “I just kinda’ knew instantly,” Naomi added. “And you saw mine,” Anna replied.

“Why are you asking, though?” Mio asked, “I mean, I understand that it’s really important, but…” “Strategies,” Shiori replied. “It’s not that big of a problem though.”

“Also,” Anna asked, “how come Mio knew instantly what to do as a Magi, when I literally face-planted into every building I could see?!” Naomi’s face twitched, hiding a smile for the sake of her friend’s dignity.

“Well,” Hanako replied, “I don’t know about Shiori, but me, Kira, and Naomi all picked it up pretty easily too. I mean, we did always have someone there to guide us as well, but from what you’ve told us-…” “I just have no talent whatsoever, is that it?” “…No, that’s not at all what Hanako is saying,” Naomi replied, “it’s, uhmm… uh.”

“It’s totally what you’re saying”, Anna deadpanned, noting that neither girl could come up with a reasonable reason. “Not entirely,” Shiori cut in after a moment, having sipped on her juice. “You still managed to hold your own against a Shade-…” “By literally smashing into it, the buildings around it, the tree-…”

“…-and that is nothing to sneeze at in a first fight,” Shiori finished, putting the glass down. “Don’t belittle yourself, simply because someone else may seem more apt for a task.”

While one serious conversation – even if it was light-hearted at times – was happening in Shiori’s room in Hanabi, another conversation was also happening not further than a teleport away.

“Wow,” Kyoei spoke, voice full of condescension. “Really, I am speechless. You screwed up big time, actually causing another Magi to awaken. Just a quick question, what do you think Pandora-sama says about that?” The glare she received from the other Messenger was more than a little agitated. “One, none of your business. Two, I am well aware of what I’m doing. Three, I don’t need your opinion.” “Oh really?” the incarnation of Vanity spoke, rolling her eyes. “One, you can bet that it’s my business, because I am the one who will have to take care of the mess you’ve caused. Two, then do tell, because it sure isn’t seeming like it. And three, obviously you do, because obviously you need some voice of reason to combat your stupidity.”

“I have listened to your vanity for longer than one minute, which is a gazillion too many. Especially considering what you’re spouting is nonsense that anyone can see are delusions. Honestly, you may love your voice however much you desire, but unless you have something actually valuable to say, shut up.” “Hey! You have no right to speak to me in that way, you useless, good-for-nothing, worthless piece of existence that does more harm than good to our cause!” “Pot calling the Kettle there, Kyoei.” “WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN YOU-…”

Kyoei was interrupted by a giant boulder getting smashed through the wall of the room, only missing Kyoei’s head because she only barely managed to dodge.

“And obviously,” Shitto replied, “I am not the only one who absolutely hates the sound of your voice.”

Being unable to reason back (not that she was afraid of the rock-hurler, it was just that she didn’t want to risk her face, knowing that that was what had been the target for the rock), Kyoei let out a “tsk”, and vanished.

“Hey, Kira?” Mitsu asked, “how come you pulled me out of the house so suddenly? I mean, I’m really happy that you wanted to go Magical Girl-hunting with me, but it was so sudden.” “Eh, I was bored,” Kira replied, while internally cursing at Shiori for putting her on Mitsu-watching duty while the others got to have their super-secret-Magi-meeting. “But you usually go to the ice rink when you’re bored?” Mitsu countered. “I mean, haven’t you earned a free pass because of that?”

“Err,” Kira started, “Mom or Dad couldn’t drive me to Miyazaka.” “There are buses?” “…Mom has my bus card. It needs to be recharged.” “…But I saw it in your wallet earlier.”

“Uhh…” Kira replied, opening said possession. “…huh. Must’ve forgotten to give it to her. Remind me to do it.” “…Sure…” Mitsu’s suspicion was clear on her face.

Back at Shiori’s home, the five girls were about to end their gathering. All the cookies (Shiori’s mother’s cookies were to die for), and most of the juice were gone. “Do you have any other questions?” the bluehaired girl asked. “Otherwise, I have an idea that could maybe help you realize what your ability is.” “…Huh?” the two junior Magi asked simultaneously.

“Shiori, are we sure that’s a good idea?” Naomi asked. “You almost got badly hurt when we did the same for Kira.” “She caught me off guard that time,” Shiori dismissed, “I didn’t think the power level was that exponential.” “…huh?” Anna repeated, growing all the more confused. “What are you talking about?”

“But it was still close,” Naomi replied, “at least maybe let Kira do it instead? She can take a lot more damage than all of us.” “We don’t feel every single hit,” Shiori replied, “she does. I am not letting her do it.” “And you think we’re OK with you doing it?” Hanako asked. “Shiori, we know you’ve been doing this longer than everyone else, but that doesn’t make you invincible!” “I know that,” Shiori replied. “I also know that I’m the best choice to do it.”

“Do what? What are you suggesting we do to help me figure out my powers?” Mio asked, growing more and more worried with every sentence they spoke.

“Try to take me down”, The blue-haired spoke. “And it’s better that we do it now, as compared to a fight, because if we do it now, it’ll be in a controlled environment.”

“Wait, what?” Anna demanded, “What do you want Mio to do, and when did Kira almost kill you?!”

“First of all, Kira didn’t almost kill me,” Shiori replied firmly, “we were trying to find out what her power was, and surprise, surprise, after a while, she was strong enough to break through some of my force fields – but they slowed her down enough to allow me to avoid her punch. She felt really bad about it, despite no-one actually getting hurt.”

“And you want to put Mio through that?!” Anna asked. “How can you think that’s a good idea?” “Every time one of us has activated their power for the first time, it has been in a situation that they can’t win without it, such as when you were almost hit while your guard was down, Anna. I don’t want to risk something like that happening again – there’s a chance that her powers won’t activate in time as they did with you, or they may simply not be effective for that particular scenario! That’s why I want to spar against Mio.”

“Seriously? That's your logi-…” Anna asked, still outraged at the entire idea. “…I’ll do it”, Mio cut in. “I can understand why Shiori thinks it’s a good idea. If we figure it out now, then it won’t be a risk-factor in an actual fight.”

Hanako sighed. “You’re both sure about this?” she asked, when both nodded, she shook her head in defeat. “Okay, but we need to be able to interfere if things go out of hand,” Naomi replied. “Ideally, Kira’d also be there, but if you’re set on doing this now, then she’ll have to remain with Mitsu.”

Kira and Mitsu were currently strolling through the mall (Kira had complained about feeling a bit hungry, and they had as such paused in their Magi-hunt to sate their appetites), when her phone dinged, signalling a text message. Opening her phone, Kira saw it was from Shiori.

''Shiori: “We’re done at my place, but can you keep her occupied a while longer? We’re not quite done.” Kira: “What are you going to do?” Shiori: “Test run.”''

“What was that about?” Mitsu asked after a moment. “Oh, uh,” Kira replied. “Shiori just asked something.” “Let me see!”

“What? No!” Kira replied, instantly rising her phone over her head when Mitsu lunged for it. “She’s using her phone when she told me she was going to be studying! She always reprimands me when I do that, so I wanna’ be the one to call her out on it! Please!” “…Seriously! No! She just asked when Kawamiya-sensei wanted that essay on equality through the ages!”

Mitsu stopped struggling to reach Kira’s phone, and fixed her with a glare. “Kira.” “…What?” Kira asked. “You are a terrible liar.” “…No, I’m not? What are you talking about?” “The dragging me out here, hindering me from contacting the others. Now secret texts from those who shouldn’t – by her own standards – use her phone.”

“Err… coincidence?” “…Riight”, Mitsu spoke with disbelief. “I do hope you know that my birthday isn’t until in a few months.”

Meanwhile, the other Magi had gathered on a field outside of Hanabi – their enhanced powers had made the trip there a lot shorter than it would have if they were limited by normal means. Aubade and Métier stood a couple of meters away from each other, while the other three Magi were standing off to the side.

“I want you to treat this fight as if I was a Messenger,” Aubade spoke, “and everyone else is too far away to be able to make it in time.” Métier nodded. “I will be doing the same,” the leader continued, “meaning I will hinder your movements, and try to gain the upper hand with any tricks – dirty or otherwise – I have. I am not going to lie and say that it’s going to be easy for you.” “I understand.”

Despite her earlier words, Aubade did take it easier in the beginning, and at first, the fight was pretty even. Neither of them gained any sort of real ground against the other, but as Aubade kept creating new force fields around them, both to restrict Métier’s movements, and to use to move off of, the fight quickly turned in the favour of the leader.

The kick came quicker than Métier had thought – Aubade had kicked off a force field to instantly alter her motion and go back at the pink Magi who had finally managed to put some distance between herself and Aubade - and for a split second, what Métier felt was fear. She didn’t have enough time to bring her arms up to block Aubade, and she couldn’t dodge to the sides either. The blue ripples there sparkled slightly as if mocking her.

And, in that moment of fear, something clicked in her mind, and she by reflex, angled her palms, and a wide, bright pink beam emerged from them. The beam hit Aubade straight on – sending her flying backwards and into some bushes.

“Holy-..!” Nimbus let out, shocked at the sight – and stopped struggling against Hyacinth’s hands that had been holding her back from interfering with the fight.

Métier was of a similar mind, causing her to stumble backwards – which also changed the trajectory of the pink blast through some trees (they were cut clean off), and up into the sky. When the beam finally faded, all was silent for a moment.

“HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS MAGICAL GIRLS!” Mitsu explained, seeing the pink beam shoot up over the rooftops, and instantly grabbed Kira’s arm, pulling her towards the nearest bus stop. “We gotta get there! That was a D.o.S.D.!” “…A what?” Kira asked.

“Deathray of Sparkling Doom!”

“…A what?” “You know, big, bright beam that obliterates anything it touches? That has got to be the pink Magical Girl’s power!” “...I’m not even going to comment on that. And seriously, that looked to be outside the town. How are you planning to get there in time?”

“We’ll take the bus.” Kira sighed. Sometimes, Mitsu was difficult to follow.

Mitsu wasn’t the only one who had noticed the beam of energy. Kyoei had also taken notice of it, and going back without reporting it could have ugly repercussions if Pandora-sama found out.

She made her way over to where the beam had come from, and her suspicions were proven correct when she came upon the sight of the five Magi (the orange one and the blue one were mysteriously not there). They all seemed surprised, for some reason, and some of the landscape seemed to have gotten a bit beaten up.

“Well,” Kyoei muttered to herself, “I mean, if they’re this eager to fight Me, then it would be my pleasure to grace them with my appearance.” She rose an arm, palm facing upwards, and a black, gooey substance formed above it. It condensed into a black pearl.

“Now, what would be a worthy host, hmm?” As she spoke, her emerald eyes scanned the surroundings, before coming to rest by some of the severed trees – or specifically, some of the vines hanging off the felled branches. “I suppose that’ll have to do.”

The pearl shot off in the direction of said plants, and crashed into it. Seconds later, a Shade stood tall.

“What?” Hyacinth exclaimed at the sight of it, “here?! Why?”

“Well,” Kyoei responded, “You were all so adorably gathered here, I thought it was only appropriate for the star of the show to show her face as well, don’t you think? And speaking of which, how about a minion that is an army in itself?”

True to her words, the moment she spoke, the Shade’s arms seemed to grow outwards, and started to form miniature forms of the warped vine-looking Shade.

“That’s bad,” Numina spoke, Hyacinth nodded, and the both of them jumped into action to keep the army of vines at bay. At the same time this happened, a blue flash appeared, and Aubade came bursting through the bushes she had been pushed through earlier, also joining the fight. By now, Nimbus and Métier also snapped out of their temporary shock, and went to help out their fellow Magi.

Which, while honourable, didn’t seem to do much – the clones were created quicker than they could destroy, and even with the help of their abilities they were starting to get overwhelmed, which was much to the joy of the Messenger.

“Métier!” Aubade finally called after blocking an attack heading Nimbus’ way with a force field, “Take it out!”

The Pink Magi quickly looked to her friends – all of whom were occupied with a set of miniature copies of the larger Shade that was still in the process of creating more. She somersaulted over a few that came her way, and when she landed, her mind was set. She rose her arms, palms facing the Shade. Bright, pink light formed at her hands. “Métier, Halation!” The light formed a sphere twice the size of her head in front of her hands, from which a straight beam of light originated. It headed straight for the Shade – ploughing straight through any of the copies that stood in it’s way. The Shade attempted to stop the blast with it’s viney arms, but it only halted the progress of the beam momentarily. It broke through the Shade, leaving a giant hole in it’s mid-section. The beam faded, and the pearl that was hovering in the middle of the hole crackled to dust.

“Well, that doesn’t matter all that much anyway”, Kyoei admitted with a smirk. “Naturally, my plan worked and I got plenty of information out of it~ For that, feel honoured to have my thanks.”

And she was gone again, and calm returned over the now completely trashed field.

A few hours later, Kira had managed to get away from a Mitsu (who had been extremely mad over the fact that she hadn’t managed to get to the fight in time, despite Kira telling her they likely wouldn’t), and everyone else had retreated to their homes.

“Good news are that I think I managed to push her suspicions regarding our identities further away from us, but on the other hand, we may also have to plan a ‘surprise’ birthday party for her”, Kira spoke into the phone. “I figured making it obvious that I was hiding something, and get her to think it was that would be the easiest way to hide it.” “Her birthday is several months away, though?” Shiori asked. “And the bad news?” “Yeah, I know,” Kira replied. “Eh, just said that to make you worry. Oh yeah, next time, you’re in charge of Mitsu-sitting. I’d like to get a break from her chatting my ears off.” “Yeah, I’ll handle it next time.”

“…And please tell me you’ll force her to study. And film it!” “Kira, be nice.”

While their banter regarding their fellow friend could, to an outsider seem like mean-spirited and like they didn’t want to associate with her, but in reality, it really was more of a way the three appreciated each other, being comfortable enough to belittle each other whilst knowing no-one really meant any harm with it.

Trivia

 * Métiers special ability is revealed in this episode.